Introduction to Geographical Thought

Presented by: Dr. Krishnan

Overview

• Geographical Thought: Making of the discipline of geography and how it evolved through ages.
• Lecture Series: Will cover the evolution from ancient to present, significant events, and contributions by scholars.

Key Concepts

1. Story of Geography

• Understanding the formation and validation of geography as a university subject.
• Exploration of why and how geography is taught as a discipline.

2. Framework for Understanding Evolution

• Inquisitiveness: Starts with a question, leads to quest for knowledge.
• *Percept and Concept:
  • Percept: Sensory experiences and initial perceptions.
  • Concept: Ideas derived from percepts.
• Theories: Developed from perceptions and concepts.
• Paradigms: Umbrellas under which related theories are categorized.
• Framework Summary: Inquisitiveness → Percept → Concept → Theory → Paradigm.***

Approaches to Study

1. Timeline Approach

• Understanding geography through historical sequence.

2. Geographical Approach

• Examining phenomena in specific locations (e.g., Mediterranean, Europe, China, India).

3. Paradigmatic Approach

• Evaluating theoretical frameworks or paradigms in geography.

Combined Approach

• Critical evaluation using historical, geographical, and paradigmatic approaches.

Planned Lecture Series

• Pre-existing Knowledge: What existed before Greek and Roman contributions.
• Ancient Period
• Medieval Period/Middle Ages
• Age of Discovery
• Pre-modern Phase
• Classical Modern Phase
• Post-modern Phase
• Each phase will be analyzed using the framework: Inquisitiveness → Percept → Concept → Theory → Paradigm.

Key Questions to Answer

• What is geography all about?
• Is geography a science or an art?
• How was geography established as a subject in universities?
• Who is a geographer?
• What is the contemporary relevance of geography?
• Why is geography important for various fields like UPSC, university students, research scholars, and climate scientists?

Conclusion

• Today’s session was an introduction.
• Future lectures will cover each phase in detail.
• Engage and ask questions in the comment box.
• Upcoming lectures will further explore the evolution of geographical thought.

Stay tuned and stay safe!